I'm starting this topic the same way I start almost every other topic I post here, by that I am building a computer. I don't have a specific price limit yet, so I'm trying to keep it around $1000. Everyone says Intel is the best value and performance right now, but which one? A dual core seems more likely for me, since quad core is probably too expensive, so what CPU should I buy?
What CPU?
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LinkedKube
Posts: 3,385 +55
The entry level quad core goes for same amount as mid level core2duo. Might help make your pc "future proof" if there is something close to it.
LinkedKube
Posts: 3,385 +55
q6600 its about 260usd i believe.
If anyone is reading this, Q6600 should be fine? Now I need to pick a motherboard, and I already have a graphics card picked, but I don't know which one exactly until I have the motherboard. Does anyone have suggestions for finding a good motherboard/ specific recommendations?
Rage_3K_Moiz
Posts: 5,403 +43
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - $129.99
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor Retail - $279.99
OCZ OCZ2G8002GK 2GB Kit DDR2-800 PC2-6400 Gold Gamer eXtreme XTC Edition Dual Channel Memory Retail ***Free Shipping*** - $42.90 after $30 rebate
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W Active Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping*** - $63.90 after $20 rebate
For the video card, I recommend waiting for the 8800GT. It releases in a few days and delivers more power than the 8800GTS for only $250.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor Retail - $279.99
OCZ OCZ2G8002GK 2GB Kit DDR2-800 PC2-6400 Gold Gamer eXtreme XTC Edition Dual Channel Memory Retail ***Free Shipping*** - $42.90 after $30 rebate
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W Active Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping*** - $63.90 after $20 rebate
For the video card, I recommend waiting for the 8800GT. It releases in a few days and delivers more power than the 8800GTS for only $250.
Good choice but the GA-P35C-DS3R had DDR3 memory support so you wouldn't have to buy a new board when you are ready to take the plunge for $20.00 more.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128048
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128048
Rage_3K_Moiz
Posts: 5,403 +43
Oh, I wanted to link to that board but I guess I got overzealous and missed the C. 
samjohnson
Posts: 232 +0
If you want a case that has good cooling I would look at the Antec cases. I don't personally own one but I hear that they are good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021 -- Antec 900 case
You could get something cheaper if you want. I got a $60 case and it works completely fine for me.
Actually the q6600 is $280 but supersmashbrada was close anyway.
**Edit**
I actually have that same memory, except it is the platinum eddition. I don't know what the difference is between the two but the platinum ones work great for me.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021 -- Antec 900 case
You could get something cheaper if you want. I got a $60 case and it works completely fine for me.
Actually the q6600 is $280 but supersmashbrada was close anyway.
**Edit**
I actually have that same memory, except it is the platinum eddition. I don't know what the difference is between the two but the platinum ones work great for me.
LinkedKube
Posts: 3,385 +55
Yeah I was pretty much guessing from what I remembered. I thought i could give a round figure for a price item. AT least I'm not giving "ballpark" info for pc repair help, lol. Disasterous.
Didou
Posts: 4,190 +11
For a little more you could get the Antec P182 which is quite highly regarded for its excellent noise/cooling ratio.
Rage_3K_Moiz
Posts: 5,403 +43
eVGA, XFX and BFG are the top three video card manufacturers you should consider. From what I've seen on these and other forums, eVGA seems to be the top choice, followed closely by XFX.
if u can afford this card it shoud be great
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3436163&CatId=1826
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3436163&CatId=1826
beef_jerky4104
Posts: 782 +3
I second that Nick, great card!
L
link590o
i'll third that. i'm actually looking to buy that. but not at that price. newegg.com offers it for at least 40 dollars less. but they don't have them in stock atm, you tigerdirect has me beat there. here's to hoping they'll be in stock and even cheaper really soon!
Yep Nvidia 8800 GT all the way, great price and it give's some amazing DX9 & 10 performance!
They're not available there either, but I'm fine with waiting, especially if it saves $40.
Which one specifically should I get then? An eVGA 8800GT (512mb looks to be the best right now), but there are always multiple results, and I haven't looked at the compatibility differences.
So far, aside from the graphics card:
Board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128048
CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025
If they both work with what's already here, I'll just take whichever would be considered better.
And other suggestions for PSU and RAM?
Also a monitor, and what else am I going to need?
And in case I'm appearing ungrateful, thanks to anyone who has contributed so far.
Which one specifically should I get then? An eVGA 8800GT (512mb looks to be the best right now), but there are always multiple results, and I haven't looked at the compatibility differences.
So far, aside from the graphics card:
Board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128048
CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025
If they both work with what's already here, I'll just take whichever would be considered better.
And other suggestions for PSU and RAM?
Also a monitor, and what else am I going to need?
And in case I'm appearing ungrateful, thanks to anyone who has contributed so far.
They're both Antecs.
I'm going to be ordering the graphics card first, and they appear to be available at newegg now since I don't see the out of stock sign anywhere. The only difference I see is core clock speed. So should I just take the cheapest one, or the best one? It's about an extra $40-$50 I think.
I'm going to be ordering the graphics card first, and they appear to be available at newegg now since I don't see the out of stock sign anywhere. The only difference I see is core clock speed. So should I just take the cheapest one, or the best one? It's about an extra $40-$50 I think.
guitto
Posts: 45 +0
If you wish to make this a form factor or a lan capable computer, I may suggest the Lanboy by Antec, I believe. It is very light and durable, the frame, and has a nice look too. I do not suggest this if you are going to plan on upgrading greatly as heat may be a problem with only 1 intake fan.
guitto
Posts: 45 +0
Sorry the quick post, but frozencpu.com has a great selection of cases and accessories. I ordered 2 cases from them and they have great customer service. I found that newegg has some items cheaper, but some of the liquid cooling components and the fan selection, such as quieter fans, is more extensive. I apologize if I seem to be advertising for this website, but I have no affiliation with it.
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